We had stumbled across this Arduino simulator, in which you can use both electronics and you Arduino skills to be able to test your circuit before buying the necessary component or just to prevent you having a fried Arduino.

This Arduino simulator is free and works really great, although it has one major downside, the sketches have to be saved in .hex files then imported into the simulator but other than that it’s a really great app to have. Once you get the hang of creating the hex files it is actually not too bad and it becomes quite effortless.

Below is a simple explanation on how to use the Simulide Arduino simulator.

First, you will have to download Simulide.zip and extract the entire archive to your desired folder. If you run the executable from within the archive some functions will not be available. After extraction process has completed you can run the executable (.exe).

Next, build your circuit, remember to adjust the resistor values, on the left click on Properties and double click on the resistance value.

After you have built your circuit you can compile your sketch into a HEX file. In your Arduino IDE make sure your sketch is saved then go to Sketch->Export compiled Binary, or press Ctrl->Alt->S.

Now it’s time to load your sketch into the simulator, Right-click on the Arduino and select “Load firmware” and load your HEX flie you just exported, there will be two HEX files “xx.ino.standard.hex” and “xx.ino.with_bootloader.standard.hex” you have to select the one without the bootloader.

You are all set now and you can click on the power button at the top.

Another great Feature

The probe is another great feature the app has. Put the probe on up to four of your output pins and right click on it and select add to plotter.

Please note that this might look like an oscilloscope but it is a logic analyzer and will not work with PWM signals, for PWM signals select “Add to Oscope” instead of “Add to plotter”